Bengaluru, May 27: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expelled two of its sitting Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from Karnataka — S T Somashekar and A Shivaram Hebbar — for six years. The action was taken on charges of indulging in "anti-party activities," BJP state president B Y Vijayendra informed on Tuesday.
Speaking to the media at the party headquarters in Bengaluru, Vijayendra stated that the decision to expel the two leaders was made by the BJP's central leadership following a series of internal deliberations. “The party has taken serious note of the recent actions and statements made by both MLAs, which were found to be in violation of the party’s core principles and discipline. After careful evaluation, the high command has approved their expulsion for a term of six years,” he said.
The expulsion is viewed as a strong message from the BJP to its ranks that indiscipline and deviation from party lines will not be tolerated, especially at a time when the political climate in Karnataka remains volatile.
Both Somashekar and Hebbar were formerly loyalists of the BJP who had played key roles during the previous government. Somashekar, a former minister, had earlier served in the cabinet of Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa. Hebbar also held ministerial portfolios and had been instrumental in BJP's strategies in coastal Karnataka.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from the ruling Congress. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president D K Shivakumar lashed out at the BJP for what he termed a “politically motivated and vindictive” decision. "This is nothing but an internal witch-hunt. It shows how divided and insecure the BJP is within its own house,” Shivakumar said.
